Abstract: A system for detecting sleep apnea uses a PPG sensor for generating a PPG signal. An estimate of respiratory effort is derived from the PPG signal, and from this a respiratory effort signal is derived. Characteristic features are extracted from the respiratory effort signal, and sleep disordered breathing events are detected from the extracted characteristic features. This analysis can distinguish between sleep disordered breathing events and normal breathing during sleep.

Abstract: A system for screening and management of hypertension, which includes a high precision fingertip photoplethysmography (PPG) acquisition device and the application software of hypertension screening and management in a portable device such as a smartphone. The former includes 905 nm wavelength infrared light emitting sensor, photoelectric receiving device, and Bluetooth transmission module. The latter includes PPG signal configuration and acquisition module, automatic hypertension classification and screening module and hypertension management module. The system can process the real-time PPG signal and can classify and evaluate the blood pressure level and carry on the long-term management and the hypertension health instruction.

Abstract: A method for optical distance measurement is provided, comprising emitting measurement pulses and receiving reflected measurement pulses. One transmission element is associated with the each receiving element. The method comprises the definition of a first group of receiving elements, wherein the transmission elements each emit at least one measurement pulse for distance measurement. Emitted measurement pulses are reflected on an object within a measurement range and the receiving elements of the first group receive the reflected measurement pulses.

Abstract: A physiological detection system including a light source module, a photo sensor and a processor is provided. The light source module is configured to provide light to illuminate a skin region. The photo sensor is configured to detect emergent light passing the skin region with at least one signal source parameter and output an image signal. The processor is configured to calculate a confident level according to the image signal to accordingly adjust the at least one signal source parameter.

Abstract: Method for real-time vascular modeling and assessment. Modeling, in some embodiments, comprises receiving a plurality of 2-D angiographic images of a portion of a vasculature of a subject, and processing the images to automatically detect 2-D features, for example, paths along vascular extents, which are projected into 3-D to determine homologous features among blood vessels and construct 3-D vascular extents and determine other vascular characteristics. Assessment, in some embodiments, comprises processing models selectively different from one another to produce one or more vascular indexes which indicate a diagnostic preference, for example, to perform a medical intervention such as a stent implantation. Speed is achieved, for example, by the method being optimized for determining the effects of a medical intervention. In some embodiments, results are produced quickly enough to allow use of the method to perform PCI within the same catheterization used to perform diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive display apparatus includes a multi-touch screen, a processor, and a network unit. The processor controls the apparatus to enter a pulse rate measuring mode, records the number of the touched touch points in each scanning period, and determines a curve according to all the recorded numbers within a preset period, the number of wave crests of the curve, and pulse rates per minute according to the number of the wave crests. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A biological signal measuring apparatus that is provided with an oscillatory wave detection apparatus, an oscillatory wave period measuring part, a group memory apparatus that is configured to collect the periodic data and to store the periodic data as a group signal, and a vibration frequency calculation apparatus. The vibration frequency calculation apparatus is provided with a section discrimination part configured to compare the group signal with a predetermined value to carry out a section discrimination, a section memory part configured to store to a plurality of sections, a weight coefficient memory part configured to store a weight coefficient, and an oscillatory wave period weighted average value calculation part.

Abstract: A system for measuring of cardiac output and cardiac performance parameters based on a cardiac blood flow balance parameter between a right chamber of the heart and a left chamber of the heart, includes a sensor device for measuring one of blood pressure and blood flow rate and blood constituent concentration of a patient so as to generate an arterial pulse signal. A processing unit is responsive to the arterial pulse signal for generating a full arterial pulse signal, an arterio-venous pulse signal, and a balance parameter. A computational device is responsive to the balance parameter for further generating cardiac output and a set of cardiac performance parameters. A display station device is responsive to the set of physiological parameters from the computational device for displaying meaningful information.

Abstract: According to the invention, a pulse wave measuring device includes: a connector that is disposed on a main unit; an external sensor that includes an external light-emitting module radiating light to a human body to be measured and an external light-receiving module receiving at least one of reflected light and transmitted light originating from the external light-emitting module and the human body so as to measure a pulse wave; an first controller that switches the external light-emitting module ON and OFF; an second controller that switches the external light-receiving module ON and OFF; and an external sensor connection determination section that determines a connection between the external sensor and the connector in accordance with a transient response of the external light-receiving module, wherein, after the external sensor connection determination section determines that the external sensor is connected to the connector, a measurement of the pulse wave by using the external sensor is started.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided for facilitating visualization and analysis of medical data. A method may include accessing a first set of data points. The method may further include plotting a plurality of data points from the first set of data points on a first graph. The method may additionally include causing the first graph to be displayed. The method may also include accessing a second set of data points. The method may further include plotting a plurality of data points from the second set of data points on a second graph. The method may also include causing the second graph to be displayed overlaying the first graph. At least a portion of the second graph may be semi-transparent such that at least a portion of the first graph is viewable concurrently with the second graph. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for multiple players to play an interactive game is disclosed herein. The system preferably includes monitoring device monitoring the vital signs of a user, a game console and a video monitor. The monitoring device is preferably an article having an optical sensor and accelerometer. The monitoring device preferably provides for the display of the following information about the user: pulse rate; blood oxygenation levels; calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target zones of activity; time; distance traveled; and/or dynamic blood pressure. The article is preferably a band worn on a user's wrist, arm or ankle.

Abstract: A device for providing biofeedback information to a subject, including a receiver for receiving heart rate data from a sensor, said heart rate data corresponding to a human subject, a storage device for storing a time series of the received heart rate data, a display, and a processor that is programmed to enable access to the storage device and to perform actions including estimating an RSA strength of the subject's heart from the time series of the received heart rate data, calculating an accumulated RSA strength from a designated starting time until the present time, determining a motion by a virtual agent based on the accumulated RSA strength at the present time, said virtual agent being a graphical object or character that represents the subject, and displaying the motion of the virtual agent determined by said determining on the display.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using time-frequency warping to analyze a physiological signal. One embodiment includes applying a warping operator to the physiological signal based on the energy density of the signal. The warped physiological signal may be analyzed to determine whether non-physiological signal components are present. Further, the same warping operator may be applied to signal quality indicators, and the warped physiological signal may be analyzed based on the warped signal quality indicators. Non-physiological signal components, or types of non-physiological noise sources, may be identified based on a comparison of the physiological signal with the signal quality indicators. Non-physiological signal components may also be identified based on a neural network of known noise functions. In some embodiments, the non-physiological signal components may be removed to increase accuracy in estimating physiological parameters.

Abstract: A method for determining a cardiac function, comprising (i) determining base anatomical characteristics associated with the subject, (ii) determining pulse delay to a first body site (PD01) and a second body site (PD02) as a function of the anatomical characteristics, wherein the distance via the arterial tree from the aortic valve to the first body site (PD01) is different than the arterial tree distance from the aortic valve to the second body site (PD02), (iii) determining pulse wave velocity between the first body site and the second body site (PWV12), (iv) determining pulse wave velocity between the aortic valve and the first body site (PWV01) as a function of PWV12, and the anatomical characteristics; and (v) determining the pre-ejection period (PEP) as a function of PD01 and PWV01.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus, system, wearable apparatus and concomitant processing system to detect instants in time at which a cyclically pulsating object within the body of an individual is temporarily quiescent, such an object being the heart, an artery or the lungs. The essence of the invention is the use of a doppler radar motion sensor, normally used for vehicular speed detection or the detection of building occupancy. The doppler radar motion sensor is arranged to transmit electromagnetic signal towards the object and receive reflected electromagnetic signal from the object, and the apparatus is further arranged to identify the instants in time at which the reflected signal indicates the object is temporarily quiescent. The invention is particularly suitable for ambulatory monitoring of the heart.

Abstract: Factor retrieving is a major approach for pulse wave analysis. Stiffness index and cardiac output are widely used factors for cardiac risk detection. Research has been done on clinical pulse wave data which are collected by pulse oximeter. The result shows that collected factors have a positive correlation with certain cardiac risks. Some adjustments have been applied on the algorithms that increase the significance. In addition to the factor based analysis, other signal processing techniques for pulse waveforms are included such as bispectrum estimation, Wavelet transform, and weighted dynamic time warping. Bispectrum estimation and Wavelet transform have meaningful features of pulse waveforms with some special shapes. Weighted dynamic time warping compares the similarity of waveforms. It also includes medical significance into the calculation by adjusting the weight vector. This algorithm has higher accuracy when providing more samples to compare.

Abstract: A pulse rate counting device includes: a short-term average value calculation unit for calculating an average interval of predetermined previous pulses; a fluctuation amount calculation device for calculating the amount of fluctuation on the basis of the difference between the average interval and an actual pulse wave interval; a search range determination unit for calculating the width of the search range, calculating an amount of displacement on the basis of a time change of the average interval, and determining as a search range a range including an appearance prediction value of the next detection point calculated from the average interval and indicated by the width of the search range from a starting point determined on the basis of the amount of displacement; and a pulse wave interval detection unit for detecting the detection point in the determined search range, and outputting a pulse wave interval.

Abstract: According to embodiments, techniques for using continuous wavelet transforms to process pulses from a photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal are disclosed. The continuous wavelet transform of the PPG signal may be used to identify and characterize features and their periodicities within a signal. Regions, phases and amplitudes within the scalogram associated with these features may then be analyzed to identify, locate, and characterize a true pulse within the PPG signal. Having characterized and located the pulse in the PPG (possibly also using information gained from conventional pulse processing techniques such as, for example, by identifying turning points for candidate pulse maxima and minima on the PPG, frequency peak picking for candidate scales of pulses, etc.), the PPG may be parameterized for ease of future processing.

Abstract: A perfusion trend indicator inputs a plethysmograph waveform having pulses corresponding to pulsatile blood flow within a tissue site. Perfusion values are derived corresponding to the pulses. Time windows are defined corresponding to the perfusion values. Representative perfusion values are defined corresponding to the time windows. A perfusion trend is calculated according to differences between representative perfusion values of adjacent ones of the time windows.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting venous pulsation are provided. In one embodiment, a metric of the pulse shape of one or more plethysmographic signals is derived and the presence of venous pulsation is detected based on the metric of pulse shape. Examples, of metrics of pulse shape include a skew metric and a ratio of a minima-to-maxima time over a pulse period interval. In an exemplary embodiment, the presence of venous pulsation is detected based on a metric of the pulse shape of one or more plethysmographic signals and on a phase comparison of the plethysmographic signals.

Abstract: A measurement device is provided. A sensor senses a vessel pulse waveform of a specific region of an object to generate a vessel pulse signal in a measurement mode. In the measurement mode, a first electrode generates a first potential signal, and the second electrode generates a second potential signal. A first analog front-end circuit digitizes the vessel pulse signal to generate a digital vessel pulse signal in the measurement mode. In the measurement mode, a second analog front-end circuit obtains an electrocardiogram signal according to the first and second potential signals and digitizes the electrocardiogram signal. A memory stores the digital vessel pulse signal and the electrocardiogram signal. A processor determines a polarity of the electrocardiogram signal in the measurement mode to indicate that the specific region is on a left or right part of a body of the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for readily measuring a blood pressure without using a cuff includes measuring, by a portable blood pressure measuring apparatus, an electrocardiogram signal and a pulse wave signal, transmitting the measured electrocardiogram signal and pulse wave signal to a portable terminal, calculating, by the portable terminal, a Pulse Transit Time (PTT) and a Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) using the transmitted electrocardiogram signal and the pulse wave signal, and calculating a blood pressure value based on the PTT and the PWV. Therefore, users may readily measure a blood pressure at any time and place and may be provided with a customized blood pressure measurement result.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for estimating central systolic blood pressure based on oscillometric signals from brachial artery by the use of a pressure cuff.

Abstract: According to embodiments, systems and methods for non-invasive blood pressure monitoring are disclosed. An exciter may induce perturbations in a subject, and a sensor or probe may be used to obtain a detected signal from the subject. The detected signal may then be used to measure one or more physiological parameters of the patient. For example if the perturbations are based on a known signal, any differences between the known signal and the input signal may be attributable to the patient's physiological parameters. A phase drift between the perturbation signal and the detected signal may be determined from a comparison of the scalograms of the exciter location and the sensor or probe location. From the scalogram comparison, more accurate and reliable physiological parameters may be determined.

Abstract: An atrial fibrillation decision apparatus includes an acquisition unit that acquires a detected waveform signal indicating a detection result of an electrocardiogram or pulse wave, an RR interval calculation unit that calculates a parameter corresponding to the RR interval with respect to each frame on the basis of a spectrum of each frame obtained through frequency analysis of the detected waveform signal acquired, and an RR waveform signal that indicates a temporal change of the parameter, a power calculation unit that calculates a temporal change of power of a predetermined frequency band of the RR waveform signal, and a decision unit that decides whether the calculated power satisfies a specific condition and outputs information indicating whether atrial fibrillation is taking place, on the basis of the detection result.

Abstract: A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection includes an interface for receiving an electrical signal comprising a pressure indicative waveform indicating a heart blood pressure of a patient over a heart beat cycle. A timing detector determines multiple different time periods in at least one heart cycle from the pressure indicative waveform. A patient monitor monitors the multiple different time periods and in response to detection of a variation in at least one of the multiple different time periods exceeding a predetermined threshold or range, generates an alert message associated with the variation.

Abstract: A pulse wave velocity measurement device comprises a pulse wave detection unit (110) for detecting a pulse wave in a living body, a pulse wave velocity calculation unit (120) for calculating a pulse wave velocity on basis of the pulse wave detected by the pulse wave detection unit (110), and a pulse wave velocity correction unit (130) for correcting the pulse wave velocity calculated by the pulse wave velocity calculation unit (120) so as to eliminate an increment in the pulse wave velocity that results from influence of hydrostatic pressures caused according to a position of the living body. Thus, the pulse wave velocity measurement device can be provided that are capable of accurate measurement of the pulse wave velocity without being influenced by the hydrostatic pressures caused according to the position of the living body.

Abstract: Provided herein are implantable systems that include an implantable photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, which can be used to obtain an arterial PPG waveform. In an embodiment, a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform is determined, and a metric of an initial portion of the arterial PPG waveform is determined, and a surrogate of mean arterial pressure is determined based on the metric of the terminal portion and the metric of the initial portion. In another embodiment, a surrogate of diastolic pressure is determined based on a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform. In a further embodiment, a surrogate of cardiac afterload is determined based on a metric of a terminal portion of an arterial PPG waveform.

Abstract: The present invention realizes calculating a pulse rate accurately, even when a body movement component has no periodical characteristics, by surely removing the body movement component generated in a living organism from a pulse wave component. A pulse wave detecting section includes a pulse wave sensor and outputs a pulse wave detection signal to an MPU functioning as a body motion component removing section. A body motion sensor outputs a body motion detection signal corresponding to a body motion that affects the behavior of venous blood to the MPU. As a result, to the MPU removes the body motion component from the pulse wave detection signal based on the body motion detection signal. A pulse rate calculating section calculates the pulse rate based on the pulse wave detection signal from which the body motion component has been removed. The pulse rate is displayed on a liquid crystal display device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dialyser having a blood-pressure measuring unit assigned to the dialyser, a pulse-wave-transit-time measuring system assigned to the dialyser and an evaluation unit, the evaluation unit being configured such that a signal representing the blood pressure can be derived from this pulse wave transit time; the parameters describing the relationship between the pulse wave transit time and the blood pressure can be determined from a plurality of measurements made by the blood-pressure measuring unit and simultaneous measurements made by the pulse-wave-transit-time measuring system, it being possible to determine at least two of these pairs of measured values at times when the absolute and/or the relative pulse-wave-transit-time deviation is above a threshold value.

Abstract: Exemplary techniques and systems for interpolating left ventricular pressures are described. One technique interpolates pressures within the left ventricle from blood pressures gathered without directly sensing blood pressure in the left ventricle.

Abstract: A touch-sensitive display apparatus includes a multi-touch screen, a processor, and a network unit. The processor controls the apparatus to enter a pulse rate measuring mode, records the number of the touched touch points in each scanning period, and determines a curve according to all the recorded numbers within a preset period, the number of wave crests of the curve, and pulse rates per minute according to the number of the wave crests. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an individual's physiological condition and detecting abnormalities therein, comprising concurrently receiving an electrocardiograph signal and a ballistocardiograph signal. The electrocardiograph and ballistocardiograph signals are conditioned to minimize background extraneous noise after which, each signal is concurrently processed and analyzed to detect repeating cyclical patterns and further characterized to identify individual components of the repeating cycles. At least one individual component in one signal is selected as a reference marker or a selected component in the other signal. The two signals are then synchronized, outputs produced therefrom and stored in a database.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an individual's physiological condition and detecting abnormalities therein, comprising concurrently receiving an electrocardiograph signal and a ballistocardiograph signal. The electrocardiograph and ballistocardiograph signals are conditioned to minimize background extraneous noise after which, each signal is concurrently processed and analyzed to detect repeating cyclical patterns and further characterized to identify individual components of the repeating cycles. At least one individual component in one signal is selected as a reference marker or a selected component in the other signal. The two signals are then synchronized, outputs produced therefrom and stored in a database.

Abstract: Diagnostic classifications of pulse signal waveform data is provided. In one example, diagnosis or prediction of a disease may be performed by analyzing pulse signal waveform data, and comparing aspects of the pulse signal waveform data with a morphology pattern that has been found to indicate a subject is suffering from a specific disease. A pulse signal can be captured via wrist electrodes using bio-electric sensors based on an impedance plethysmographic principle, for example, and processed using feature extraction for diagnosis and assessment of the subject's proneness to a disease. Analysis of the pulse signal and pulse morphology patterns provides an in-vitro, non-invasive, and low-cost method for diagnosing diseases.

Abstract: A method for dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA) assessment includes acquiring a blood pressure (BP) signal having a first oscillatory pattern from a first individual, acquiring a blood flow velocity (BFV) signal having a second oscillatory pattern from the first individual, decomposing the BP signal into a first group of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs), decomposing the BFV signal into a second group of IMFs, determining dominant oscillatory frequencies in the first group of IMFs, automatically selecting a first characteristic IMF from the first group of IMFs that has its associated dominant oscillatory frequency in a predetermined frequency range, automatically selecting a second characteristic IMF from the second group of IMFs, calculating a time sequence of instantaneous phase difference between the first characteristic IMF and the second characteristic IMF, computing an average of the instantaneous phase difference in the time sequence, and identifying a pathological condition in the first individual.

Abstract: A circulatory function measurement device that accurately measures a subject's circulatory function. A pulse wave accumulated value calculation unit calculates a pulse wave accumulated value by accumulating the amplitude values of pulse waves in chorological order as the compressing pressure changes. A blood vessel hardness measurement unit measures blood vessel hardness based on the relationship between the calculated pulse wave accumulated value and the compressing pressure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting venous pulsation are provided. In one embodiment, a metric of the pulse shape of one or more plethysmographic signals is derived and the presence of venous pulsation is detected based on the metric of pulse shape. Examples, of metrics of pulse shape include a skew metric and a ratio of a minima-to-maxima time over a pulse period interval. In an exemplary embodiment, the presence of venous pulsation is detected based on a metric of the pulse shape of one or more plethysmographic signals and on a phase comparison of the plethysmographic signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, device, and computer program product for monitoring the physiological state of a person. In the method, the heartbeat of the person is detected in order to obtain a pulse signal, and at least one parameter depicting the respiration of the person is determined in the time domain with the aid of time stamps made of the basis of the pulse signal. With the aid of the method, it is possible to calculate an estimate of the person's energy consumption during exercise, without complicated calculations or preliminary data based on measurements.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an individual's physiological condition and detecting abnormalities therein, comprising concurrently receiving an electrocardiograph signal and a ballistocardiograph signal. The electrocardiograph and ballistocardiograph signals are conditioned to minimize background extraneous noise after which, each signal is concurrently processed and analyzed to detect repeating cyclical patterns and further characterized to identify individual components of the repeating cycles. At least one individual component in one signal is selected as a reference marker for a selected component in the other signal. The two signals are then synchronized, outputs produced therefrom and stored in a database.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a noninvasive medical pulsimeter sensor using magnetic thin films. By forming a pulse-sensing part array with magnetic sensors such as GMR devices, MTJ devices and the likes, over the skin-contacting part which consists of a magnetic material, the present invention increases the integrity of sensors, minimizes the time for searching the pulse and it is applicable widely to portable pulsimeters and the likes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatus for stroke volume determination by bioimpedance from a patient's upper arm, or brachium, or a patient's thorax, utilizing pulsations of the arteries contained therein. The apparatus includes two or more spaced apart alternating current flow electrodes positioned on the patient's arm or thorax and two or more spaced apart voltage sensing electrodes positioned on the patient's arm or thorax and in-between alternating current flow electrodes. The system and method utilizes the mean value of the second time-derivative of the cardiogenically induced impedance variation of the patient using the measured voltage from the voltage sensors in calculating the stroke volume of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, device, and computer program product for monitoring the physiological state of a person. In the method, the heartbeat of the person is detected in order to obtain a pulse signal, and at least one parameter depicting the respiration of the person is determined in the time domain with the aid of time stamps made of the basis of the pulse signal. With the aid of the method, it is possible to calculate an estimate of the person's energy consumption during exercise, without complicated calculations or preliminary data based on measurements.

Abstract: System and method for determining a condition of a cardiovascular system are provided. One or more pulse curves may be obtained. At least two points on the pulse curve, substantially including a dicrotic notch may be selected. A first parameter pertaining to a section of the pulse curve contained by the selected points may be calculated. A second parameter pertaining to a curve other than the pulse curve and traversing the selected points may be calculated. A notch coefficient may be computed by relating the first parameter to the second parameter. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatus for stroke volume determination by bioimpedance from a patient's upper arm, or brachium, or a patient's thorax, utilizing pulsations of the arteries contained therein. The apparatus includes two or more spaced apart alternating current flow electrodes positioned on the patient's arm or thorax and two or more spaced apart voltage sensing electrodes positioned on the patient's arm or thorax and in-between alternating current flow electrodes. The system and method utilizes voltage sensed by the voltage sensing electrodes to calculate a cardiogenically induced impedance variation value of the patient, and to determine a stroke volume of the patient by multiplying the cardiogenically induced impedance variation value by a volume conductor VC and by a left ventricular ejection time TLVE.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the procedure for obtaining complete spectrum of the Nadi pulses, as a time series and capable of detecting the major types and the subtypes of the Nadi pulses. The device of this invention involves three diaphragm elements equipped with strain gauge, three transmitters cum amplifiers, and a digitizer for quantifying analog signal. The system acquires the data with 12-bit accuracy with practically no electronic and/or external interfering noise. The pertaining proofs are given which clearly shows the capability of delivering the accurate spectrums, with repeatability of the pulses from the invented system. ‘Nadi-Nidan’ is a prominent method in Ayurveda (Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word derived from ‘Ayus’ and ‘vid’, meaning life and knowledge respectively. It is a holistic science encompassing mental, physical and spiritual health), which is known to dictate all the salient features of a human body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for precisely measuring various biological information of a user's body by using a single measuring apparatus enable precisely and effectively measuring biological information including body fat, pulse and a blood vessel aging degree. By measuring an infrared absorbance or infrared rays irradiated to a measurement target according to a modulation and tuning method and obtaining the information with reference to supplementary biological information obtained from a user, the plurality of biological information can be precisely measured at a low driving voltage through the modulation and tuning method by using a single infrared light source. Also, the measuring apparatus can be reduced in size by simplifying its construction and can be effectively integrated into various device.

Abstract: System and method that can monitor pulse rate and passively produce a blood pressure measurement and automatically log the data for the user. Additionally, coupling to the Internet or Information Systems expands the options for the early detection of diseases, based on sudden detected changes and trend analyses, and the successful treatment of these patients while reducing the high costs associated with invasive procedures and in-hospital care.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for monitoring respiratory disorders based on monitored factors of a photoplethysmography (PPG) signal that is representative of peripheral blood volume. The monitored factors can be respiratory effort as well as respiratory rate and/or blood oxygen saturation level. The systems and devices may or may not be implanted in a patient.

Abstract: A pulse rate counting device includes: a short-term average value calculation unit for calculating an average interval of predetermined previous pulses; a fluctuation amount calculation device for calculating the amount of fluctuation on the basis of the difference between the average interval and an actual pulse wave interval; a search range determination unit for calculating the width of the search range, calculating an amount of displacement on the basis of a time change of the average interval, and determining as a search range a range including an appearance prediction value of the next detection point calculated from the average interval and indicated by the width of the search range from a starting point determined on the basis of the amount of displacement; and a pulse wave interval detection unit for detecting the detection point in the determined search range, and outputting a pulse wave interval.